Hello!

I'm Tamara Gardner, a wife, mom of two, and the heart behind Pilot Park Preschool in Lake Elmo. My journey into early childhood education has been fueled by a deep love for children and a passion for fostering their connection to the natural world. I volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club and worked with young learners at a daycare center before starting my own in-home childcare which I ran for 7 years. Since then I've embraced my passion for nature-based education by starting Pilot Park Preschool in 2022 and have been running that ever since. I've always been drawn to nurturing and educating young minds.

When I'm not at preschool, you'll likely find me volunteering at Valley Outreach in Stillwater or exploring the outdoors with my family.

I have a Bachelor's Degree from St. Cloud State in Custom Studies with a focus on education and an Associate's Degree from Century College in Human Services. I also have training from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools.

I am licensed through Washington County, and I am star rated through Parent Aware.